Chapter 958

Candice wrapped her arms around Elio's waist and gently stroked his back as she leaned into his embrace. She asked, "Where are we headed now? Are we not going back to Hoffis Manor?"

"Do you still want to go back?" Elio asked.

Candice pondered for a moment before saying, "It seems irrelevant now. Your mom is fond of me, but not enough to welcome me as her daughter-in-law. She's still set on you marrying Josie."

Elio held her shoulders and eased her backward. "Why bother with these futile efforts when you already understand?"

"I had to try. At least now I know it was a waste of time," Candice replied.

Elio offered a helpless smile and kissed her forehead. "Let's head back to our place. I've had my fill of the torture of sleeping in separate rooms at my parents' house."

Candice's cheeks turned pink as she nodded bashfully. Soon, they drove home together.

…

The abrupt departure of Candice and Elio cast a somber shadow over Hoffis Manor. With Candice's lively spirit absent, evenings